Son of Henry G. Nielson (1907-1991) and Mildred Emma Rich Nielson (1909-2002). Brother of one brother and one sister.

Although his headstone notes U.S. Marine Corps, his death certificate indicates that he enlisted in the U.S. Navy on 10/4/1956. His occupation was listed as a naval aviator. He died in a plane crash on 7/30/1958 at 5:50 P.M. Cause of death was listed as "multiple injuries, extreme".